Antique Italian painting from the 17th century. Oil painting on canvas depicting a biblical subject, Abraham drives out Hagar and Ishmael, by an excellent painterly hand. According to the Genesis account, at the behest of his wife Sarah, Abraham was forced to drive out the Egyptian slave Hagar by whom he had previously had another son named Ishmael. All this had happened to prevent Isaac from having to share his father's inheritance with him. A painting of great pictorial intensity, characterised by a skilful use of chiaroscuro and a remarkable quality of drapery. Large painting adorned with a 19th century carved and gilded wooden frame, with some signs of time. Work that has undergone restoration with re-staining, replacement of the frame and repainting in places (see photo). Overall in good state of preservation. Light painting H 102 x W 145 cm.